Archives for May 2026

* Review * KISS ME FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

May 31, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KISS ME FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

Kiss Me Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #10
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on June 8, 2026
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Falling for your enemy is bad. Falling for the man you only call your enemy is worse.

Reece Fox is a decade older than me but I’m his boss. And if the man growls at me one more time, he’s going to learn the true meaning of the Montgomery temper. Yet I can’t stop thinking of him.

After losing my fiancé, I’ve sworn off men, but when Reece does the one thing I never thought he’d do—ask for help—I can’t walk away.

Brooklyn Montgomery is too young for me. She’s not only my boss, but my friend’s family. The definition of forbidden. We both know this. But I can’t keep my hands off of her. When we finally give into the heat between us, there’s no going back.

Only when a little girl shows up at our work, she changes our world completely with one word:

Dad.

Intensely emotional and highly addictive! I devoured Reece and Brooklyn in one sitting and would have adored staying in their world for awhile longer just because they were so fun. Both have a powerful backstory that is continuing to tie them in knots throughout the book, but them working together and supporting each other for a change is a real joy to see. The character development is sufficient if you’re a fan of the series, but I always recommend you read them in order to get a full picture of who is who and what’s happening in everyone’s life these days. Nice drama, and a gorgeous happily ever after!

Reece is older and set in his ways and he won’t be freely admitting to anyone how long he’s been lusting after her, but when his world is turned on end, she’s the one he turns to first. Brooklyn has been in turmoil and experienced great loss, while he just received a gift, but knows how much he missed out on prior. I so wanted her to find a message to give her closure and understanding, but it wasn’t mean to happen that way I guess.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit family who loves hard and supports and razzes each other always. The Montgomery family is one that everyone wants to be a part of and I could continue reading about them forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE RAINY DAY BOOKSHOP by RaeAnne Thayne

May 31, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RAINY DAY BOOKSHOP by RaeAnne Thayne

The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by MIRA on June 2, 2026
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Life is full of plot twists...

Sandwiched between caring for her mother and rebuilding the relationship with her estranged daughter, Emma, Rosie Lucas’s life is full. In the best way. With Emma and her 3-year old daughter, Olive, back home, Rosie has a partner for The Rainy Day Bookshop, the family business, and a chance to fix the past. What she doesn’t have time for is a romantic relationship. And even if she did, Andrew Morgan is the last person she’d choose. Not only is he an arrogant and reclusive writer, but he’s a single dad with two young kids. She’s already been there, done that. Still as an irresistible flirtation builds between them, he becomes her unexpected confidante on the distance Rosie can’t seem to overcome with Emma, a secret she can’t quite unravel…

Emma isn’t proud of her past. But she’s pulled herself up by the bootstraps, caring for her own daughter, and protecting her mom at all costs. Just as she always has. She never told Rosie what she saw all those years ago and she never will. But some secrets refuse to stay buried, and sometimes the truth is more shocking than fiction. Rosie and Emma will have to navigate an unimaginable path forward. Together.

Perfect summer vacation read! An emotional journey of healing that is sure to please. If you love a family driven storyline with lots of angst and hope, you aren’t going to want to miss grabbing this one. Several great characters with emotional backstories and explosive secrets will hold your attention as romance circles two couples and healing begins between an estranged family. Loved them wholeheartedly!

Andrew and Bryce were my favorite characters by far. The women they both end up falling for are nice too, but I connected more with the men this go round because I felt like they were more willing to open their heart to what life unexpectedly delivered to them at this time in their life than the women who were more hesitant to believe were.

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* Review * COLTON’S PRIVATE SECURITY by Lisa Childs

May 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLTON’S PRIVATE SECURITY by Lisa Childs

Colton's Private Security by Lisa Childs
Series: The Coltons of Dark Canyon #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 26, 2026
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He let her go once.

He won’t lose her now.

Since he left the military, Mark Colton’s work as a bodyguard has satisfied his need for travel and adventure. He’s on a rare visit back home when a dangerous criminal takes a nurse hostage. That nurse is Cassidy Garner, his high school sweetheart, and seeing her in the grasp of an armed villain makes his well-honed instincts kick in. After this close call, he’s determined to keep her safe—even if that means ignoring the once-in-a-lifetime attraction they both still feel. But what if it’s his past that’s putting her in danger?

Filled with danger, angst and reconnections! This was my first in the series that I have read even though it is the fifth book in The Colton’s of Dark Canyon series, but I didn’t have any issues picking up on what had happened previously and connecting with his family quickly. I liked both characters and the tension they were quickly thrust into after the situation at the hospital makes for a fast paced backdrop as these former teenage loves reconnect and rediscover the love they still have for each other. The characters are well developed, the action is quick and addictive and the happily ever after is sweet and deserving. I really enjoyed their story!

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* Review * DANGER IN THE BACKCOUNTRY by Nichole Severn

May 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DANGER IN THE BACKCOUNTRY by Nichole Severn

Danger in the Backcountry by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 26, 2026
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Natural selection or serial killer?

Discovering the truth will be deadly.

Three Zion National Park visitors are dead. Though everything points to bear mauling, newly hired ecologist Lettie Larson doubts an animal is the culprit. Her suspicions bring her into close contact with head investigator Rome Foster. As Lettie’s ex-husband, Rome is the last man with whom she wants to work. Yet with an all too human predator loose in the backcountry, their past differences can only be pushed aside for so long. On the hunt for a savage killer, will they be able to rekindle old feelings while protecting themselves from an unimaginable danger?

Estranged spouses reunite in the most unexpected way! The fifth book in Severn’s Red Rock Murders series for Harlequin Intrigue was attention grabbing with the set up we are quickly thrust into. Not only are they estranged spouses, but they are chasing a killer at the same time as hunting the suspected murdering black bear she has been following as part of her research for years. The set up is interesting and the danger lurking keeps you guessing. I felt like there was some conflicting timeline when it comes to a couple of descriptions of his parents and life with the uncle, and it drug in parts … but I did enjoy getting to the bottom of it all and seeing them reunite, though I wanted more of them together at the end. I’m enjoying the series, but the park life is hard to detail in a depth that we need in such a short length of a book without being a tad boring.

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* Review * TOO FAST TO FALL by Karen Booth

May 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TOO FAST TO FALL by Karen Booth

Too Fast to Fall by Karen Booth
Series: Fast Track #2
Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin on May 26, 2026
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A grumpy-sunshine Formula One romance with spice! When a star driver hires a new dog nanny, he gets an all-American girl who loves dogs, cars… and making him beg.

So what if she’s crushing on a race car driver? That doesn’t mean it’s love at first lap.

But maybe it’s love at first lap dog?

Yesterday, Piper Murphy was just another dog sitter helping her sister with wedding prep while pretending she’s over her own broken engagement.

Today, she’s the fill-in dog sitter for Formula One driver Emilio Baquero. Brooding, gorgeous driver + naughty, cute Lab? Woof, down boy.

When Emilio offers her a five-week gig as his live-in dog nanny in London, Piper can’t help but say yes. It’s out of her comfort zone, sure, but it’s also a ticket to travel, racing, and caring for a dog she already adores. All while escaping the wedding planning that’s put her failures front and center.

Only being under the same roof means there’s no escaping Emilio’s intensity, or grumpiness. Piper tries to be a sunny presence, but their clashes just fuel the slow-burn tension to something near combustible.

Because falling for your boss is risky when you have a broken heart. Falling for your famous boss and his adorable dog? That’s a crash waiting to happen.

Booth knocked this one out of the park if you’re a fan of a dog with a mind of his own! The second book in her Fast Track series is fast paced, humorous and filled with heart. Racing fans will find the sport part of the book intriguing as Emilio struggles with his first year with this Formula One team. You’ll be hard pressed not to laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans Gus the dog gets up to in order to get the life that he wants from his owner. Piper is sweet and easy to like and I enjoyed her getting a touch of the life she deserved rather than living for scraps and pining after her loser ex. Overall both of the characters had an interesting back story and were likable enough to have you rooting for their happily ever after. I loved their story!

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* Review * THE FINAL TARGET by Nora Roberts

May 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FINAL TARGET by Nora Roberts

The Final Target by Nora Roberts
Published by St. Martin's Press on May 26, 2026
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A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping thriller by Nora Roberts.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Roberts weaves a tale that will have the reader captivated from start to finish! I was quicky intrigued by the premise of the story from the very start when a debut author attracts a fan at her very first book signing that begins to give off uncomfortable vibes from that first interaction that turns treacherous quickly. I really enjoyed the groundwork laid of her family support system that she had to rely on from the very start of her issues, and as she healed and grew into her career, she relocated and began to prosper even more. I adored her relationship with Joe and eventually her romance with Gideon. Great friendships and family love is showcased along the way, along with several twists to make the danger to come feel even more diabolical. Really good layering of fresh scenery along with the monster lurking behind the scenes made for a fingernail biter that I really enjoyed!

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* Review * WHEN SPARKS FLY by Monica Murphy

May 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WHEN SPARKS FLY by Monica Murphy

When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy
Published by Blackstone Publishing on May 26, 2026
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Twenty-two-year-old heiress Rachel Henderson has one goal this summer: hide out at her family’s lake house and recover from the most mortifying breakup Manhattan society has ever witnessed. Sun, swimming, and zero paparazzi, what could go wrong?

But her quiet summer by the lake goes up in literal flames when a spa-day candle mishap sets her mother’s designer curtains on fire. When the local fire department shows up—specifically the ridiculously hot fire captain—the house is saved, but the captain scorches her pride with a lecture about fire safety.

Determined to prove she can handle life on her own without her family’s help, Rachel finds a new roommate and a new job—too bad she’s terrible at it. Oh, and she keeps running into Captain Tall-Dark-and-Infuriating (which definitely isn’t a hardship). The more time they spend together, the more their conversations start to get real, and Rachel finds herself falling for Wyatt. She thinks he might even feel the same way.

The only problem? Wyatt is all about roots and permanence, while Rachel is the very definition of flighty. But this summer, she just might be tempted to stay …

An eventful meet cute leads to more sparks than they ever expected! When the spoiled little rich girl gets put in her place by the snarky single dad fire captain, her life starts changing for the better from that day forward! The characters are both endearing, even though both lead totally different types of lives and don’t seem like they would work at all, they actually are pretty adorable together. The cast of family and friends surrounding them really add a lot to the story and carry some of the angst along more than the main characters. I liked them, but the ending was abrupt and I was left wanting a little more. They were cute and believable as a couple though. Heart, humor and snark for the win.

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* Release Blitz/Review * CROSBY by Sawyer Bennett

May 19, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CROSBY by Sawyer Bennett

Crosby by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Portland Wildfire #1
Published by Big Dog Books on May 19, 2026
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Juno Paxton has built her award-winning documentary career dismantling institutions people blindly worship. Her latest assignment is her most high-profile yet: immerse herself in the league’s newest hockey expansion team—the Portland Wildfire—for an entire season and create a behind-the-scenes film the league can parade around as “authentic.”

Juno doesn’t buy it. Not the hype, not the hero worship, and definitely not the polished personas of pro athletes. She expects egos, theatrics, and plenty of manufactured grit.

What she doesn’t expect is Crosby Hale.

The Wildfire’s starting goalie is stoic, meticulously focused, and infuriatingly camera-shy. He wants nothing to do with her film, her questions, or her insistence that he “show some personality.” Unfortunately for him, the league wants Juno’s documentary to center on the enigmatic goaltender who refuses to cooperate.

But the more time Juno spends with Crosby, the more she glimpses the steady, thoughtful man beneath his guarded exterior. He isn’t the stereotype she’s built her name exposing—he’s better. The more she learns about him, the harder it becomes to keep her documentary, and her heart, objective. And for Crosby, letting Juno in feels less like a mistake and more like the beginning of something worth fighting for.

This brand new expansion team is settling old scores, electrifying a new arena and introducing a new cast of players to delight hockey romance fans! I really enjoyed getting the lay of the land with a new warm-hearted owner, a bit of leftover drama coming in from various sources and settling in with Juno making a documentary about the growing pains. The team that we’ve met so far seems like a solid group of guys who are quickly trying to mesh into a winning team and form the brotherhood that will eventually take them far. It’s a bit of a set up when the faces are new and the groundwork has to be laid to draw us in. I’m definitely hooked! The main characters for this story were Crosby and Juno and both brought a lot to the table to set up drama, angst and attraction. I did not like the ending because it was super abrupt and left a lot of things up in the air. Good characters and drama though, so I’m looking forward to continuing in this world.

CROSBY
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: May 19

Meet Sawyer Bennett:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life
experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary
romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just
about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur,
stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to
her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter
(http://www.sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:
https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Blurb:
She’s here to expose hockey’s biggest flaws. He’s the complication she never planned on. Neither one
is prepared for the sparks that fly every time they collide.

Juno Paxton has built her award-winning documentary career dismantling institutions people blindly
worship. Her latest assignment is her most high-profile yet: immerse herself in the league’s newest
hockey expansion team—the Portland Wildfire—for an entire season and create a behind-the-scenes
film the league can parade around as “authentic.”

Juno doesn’t buy it. Not the hype, not the hero worship, and definitely not the polished personas of pro
athletes. She expects egos, theatrics, and plenty of manufactured grit.

What she doesn’t expect is Crosby Hale.

The Wildfire’s starting goalie is stoic, meticulously focused, and infuriatingly camera-shy. He wants
nothing to do with her film, her questions, or her insistence that he “show some personality.”
Unfortunately for him, the league wants Juno’s documentary to center on the enigmatic goaltender
who refuses to cooperate.

But the more time Juno spends with Crosby, the more she glimpses the steady, thoughtful man beneath
his guarded exterior. He isn’t the stereotype she’s built her name exposing—he’s better. The more she
learns about him, the harder it becomes to keep her documentary, and her heart, objective. And for
Crosby, letting Juno in feels less like a mistake and more like the beginning of something worth fighting
for.

Warm, witty, and unexpectedly emotional, CROSBY launches the Portland Wildfire series with a slow-
burn enemies-to-lovers romance between a skeptical filmmaker and the goalie determined to stay out
of her spotlight… until she becomes the one thing he can’t turn away from.

Buy Link:
https://geni.us/SB_Crosby

Tropes:
Hockey Romance
Forced Proximity
Reluctant Hero
Slow Burn
Workplace Romance
Opposites Attract
Found Family
Emotionally Guarded Hero
Bold, Unapologetic Heroine

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * ANIMAL BEATS by Arell Rivers

May 14, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Animal Beats by Arell Rivers
Series: Untamed Coaster's #5
Published by LLC on May 14, 2026
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One shirtless drummer.
One PR manager who can’t afford a mistake.
One world tour about to explode.

In the world of Untamed Coaster, the music is loud—but the chemistry is deafening.

Río Sullivan lives for chaos—sold-out arenas, headlines, and the kind of trouble that follows him everywhere.

Until one reckless afternoon at the Trevi Fountain goes too far.

Now his career is on the line—and Hayden Vaughn is the one assigned to keep him under control.

She’s focused. Careful. Responsible for everything that matters in her life—including her younger sister.

Babysitting a shirtless disaster on a world tour? Definitely not part of the plan.

But Río isn’t who she expected.

Because beneath the chaos is a man who’s spent his life never being chosen—and who sees Hayden in a way no one else ever has.

From Rome to Barcelona to the red carpets of Hollywood, the line between professional and personal doesn’t just blur—it burns.

When his actions spark a scandal that threatens everything Hayden has worked for, Río has one last chance to prove he’s the man she can trust—with her future.

Delightfully scandalous and filled with heart! The fifth book in the Untamed Coasters series is all about that sexy drummer Rio. He’s attention grabbing and the life of the party, but all that partying is getting him into trouble that the label just doesn’t want anymore, so he’s being reeled in like never before. Hayden is traveling with the band to handle the PR, but she never expected to be assigned as the babysitter to a grown man … yet here she is.

The main characters both have a rich back story that brings their situations to the forefront and explains a lot of the pressure that each is under. I liked them both a lot, but did feel like there were spots that were underdeveloped, but they still worked and made me happy throughout.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a rockstar romance with lots of drama, lots of love and respect for each other and sexy love stories as each member finds their forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THE RULEBREAKER by Piper Rayne

May 14, 2026 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE RULEBREAKER by Piper Rayne

The Rulebreaker by Piper Rayne
Series: The Dugout #3
on May 14, 2026
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I’m the coach’s daughter. Falling for one of my father's players was never the plan.
Especially not Decker Davis.
Chicago Colts third baseman.
Dependable. Steady. The guy everyone trusts.
And the man who’s spent years keeping his distance—especially from me.

We have history. The kind that ten years and a thousand miles can’t touch.
So, this time, I promised myself I'd be smarter.
No getting attached. No blurred lines. And definitely, no falling.
He broke every last one within the first week.

Because Decker doesn’t just show up for me. He shows up for my daughter.
Because he fits into our lives like he was always meant to be there.
Because he looks at me like I was never something he wanted to lose.

And suddenly, the walls I've spent years building don't feel nearly as solid as they used to.

But if I let him in, I’m not just risking my heart—I’m risking hers too… and I already know what losing him costs.
I won’t let my daughter pay that price.

Drama filled goodness! With the third book in Piper Rayne’s The Dugout series, we get Decker’s story. We got a good bit of his background in his twin brother Foster’s story in the last book, but now we get Decker’s side of it all as well as more info on what led to their fallout in college, etc. The cast of characters in this series is great. A close-knit player camaraderie with the spouses they are accumulating along the way. This particular book teased us along for quite awhile before it spilled secrets, so it was a bit of a slow build and drug a bit more the previous two in the series, but I enjoyed them regardless. Great characters, good side cast and always humor as well as heart.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a sports romance with great friendships and laughter as each teammate finds their forever love. Can’t wait for Easton’s story!